COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is currently one of the main obstacles to worldwide herd immunity and socioeconomic recovery. Because vaccine coverage can vary between and within countries, it is important
to identify sources of variation so that policies can be tailored to different population groups. ...In this paper, we analyze the results from a survey designed and implemented in order to identify early adopters and
laggers in six big cities of Latin America. We find that trust in government and science, accurate knowledge about the value of vaccination and vaccine effects, perceived risk of getting sick, and being a student
increase the odds to get vaccinated. We also identify potential laggers as women and populations between 20 and 35 years old who are not students. We discuss specific strategies to promote vaccination among
these populations groups as well as more general strategies designed to gain trust. These findings are specific to the context of Latin America insofar as the underlying factors associated with the choice to be
vaccinated vary significantly by location and in relation to individual-level factors.
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The PDF "COLERA: Informação para Promotores de Saúde" provides essential guidance for health promoters and activists on cholera. It explains that cholera is characterized by severe watery diarrhea, often resembling rice water, and sometimes vomiting. If not treated promptly, it can lead to death ...within hours. The disease affects both adults and children and spreads through contaminated feces, poor hygiene, and unsafe water or food. To prevent cholera, the document emphasizes the importance of drinking treated or safe water, cooking food thoroughly and keeping it covered, washing hands with soap or ash after using the latrine and before handling food, and using proper latrines or sanitary facilities. It also highlights the role of vaccination, recommending the oral cholera vaccine "Shanchol," which requires two doses 2–3 weeks apart. The vaccine is suitable for individuals over one year old, including pregnant women, and has minimal side effects such as mild abdominal pain or diarrhea. This resource aims to empower health promoters with practical knowledge to prevent and manage cholera outbreaks effectively.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region website provides comprehensive information on cholera outbreaks across the continent. In 2024, 14 countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, experienced significant outbreaks, with these three nations categoriz...ed as being in acute crisis.
The site offers access to Monthly Regional Cholera Bulletins, such as the May 2024 edition, which details the status of outbreaks, affected countries, and response measures.
Additionally, the website emphasizes the importance of coordinated responses to cholera outbreaks, highlighting efforts to enhance surveillance, provide medical supplies, and implement vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas.
Overall, the WHO African Region's cholera page serves as a vital resource for understanding the scope of cholera outbreaks and the ongoing initiatives to control and prevent the disease across the continent.
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The Ethiopia Multi-Sectorial Cholera Elimination Plan (2022-2028) outlines a national strategy to eliminate cholera in Ethiopia by 2028. The plan follows the Global Roadmap to End Cholera by 2030 and is based on six key pillars: Leadership & Coordination, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), Surveill...ance & Reporting, Use of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV), Healthcare System Strengthening, and Community Engagement.
Ethiopia has historically faced recurrent cholera outbreaks due to poor sanitation, unsafe water, and weak health infrastructure. The plan prioritizes high-risk areas (hotspot woredas) and aims to reduce cholera-related mortality by 90% by 2028. It includes efforts to improve WASH conditions, strengthen disease surveillance, enhance rapid response capabilities, expand vaccination campaigns, and integrate cholera control into broader health policies.
The government, in collaboration with international partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC), will implement and monitor the plan. The estimated budget for the initiative is $390 million over eight years. Ethiopia aims to achieve zero cholera transmission in hotspot regions, ensuring sustainable public health improvements.
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The 2021 COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) for AFR serves as a regional guide for a holistic public health response to COVID‑19 at regional, national and sub-national levels. The 2021
SPRP:
1. Builds upon the lessons learnt from the implementation of the 2020 SPRP and outl...ines a regional preparedness, response and recovery strategy for COVID‑19.
2. Has been adapted to reflect the Regional context including COVID-19 vaccination. It also considers epidemiological changes and recommen-dations emerging from the evaluation report of the 2020 SPRP4.
3. Highlights to Member States strategic preparedness and response actions to be sustained at national and sub-national levels, as well as the critical inter-agency and partner support required.
4. provides the indicative resource requirements to reinforce WHO planned interventions in the African Region to enhance countries’ capacities to suppress transmission, save lives and mitigate the impact of the pandemic on people and health systems.
5. Provides a road map for mitigating potential resurgence in the Region as economies reopen and ensure country level continuity of other essential health services.
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The COVID-19 vaccine tracker and landscape compiles detailed information of each COVID-19 vaccine candidate in development by closely monitoring their progress through the pipeline.
The COVID-19 vaccine tracker:
Provides summary tables of COVID-19 vaccine candidates in both clinical and pre-...clinical development;
Provides analysis and visualization for several COVID-19 vaccine candidate categories;
Tracks the progress of each vaccine from pre-clinical, Phase 1, Phase 2 through to Phase 3 efficacy studies and including Phase 4 registered as interventional studies;
Provides links to published reports on safety, immunogenicity and efficacy data of the vaccine candidates;
Includes information on key attributes of each vaccine candidate and
Allows users to search for COVID-19 vaccines through various criteria such as vaccine platform, schedule of vaccination, route of administration, developer, trial phase and clinical endpoints.
The database is updated regularly - twice a week (Tuesday and Friday, 17:00 CET).
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The document presents Cameroon's National Response Plan for the 2018 cholera outbreak, covering August to October 2018. It highlights the epidemiological situation, with outbreaks reported in the North and Central regions and a total of 109 suspected cases and 9 deaths by July 2018. The plan outline...s strategies for controlling the epidemic, including epidemiological surveillance, improved access to clean water, sanitation, mass vaccination, community awareness campaigns, and hospital and community-based treatment.
The response is coordinated by the Ministry of Public Health, WHO, and various partners, focusing on early detection, rapid response, and multi-sectoral collaboration. Challenges include poor sanitation, limited healthcare infrastructure, and cross-border disease transmission risks. The plan emphasizes resource mobilization, monitoring, and evaluation to contain the outbreak and prevent future cases.
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As of 12 December 2022, over 645 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with COVID-19, with over 6.6 million deaths (4).
The Omicron variant, which emerged in late November 2021, and its subvariants, are now the dominant circulating viruses, contributing to the ongoing surge in several countr...ies (4). Vaccination has substantially reduced case numbers and hospitalizations in many countries,but limitations in global access to vaccines mean that many populations, including those in low- and middle-income countries, remain vulnerable. Even in vaccinated individuals, uncertainties remain about duration of protection and efficacy, and the degree of crossprotection with new variants.
There remains a need for more effective treatment and management for those affected by COVID-19. The pandemic – and the
explosion of both research and misinformation – has highlighted the need for trustworthy, accessible and regularly updated living
guidelines to place emerging findings into context and provide clear recommendations for clinical practice
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Maldives has made significant strides in the area of infectious disease prevention and control. This is exemplified by elimination of malaria from Maldives in 2015 and successes in TB control. In addition, Maldives is a front runner in infectious disease prevention through successful water, sanitati...on, hygiene and vaccination campaigns and coverage. However, given the limited evidence that exists with respect to the occurrence of resistant organisms in the nation, it is hard to estimate the exact antimicrobial resistance (AMR) scenario. Also, it becomes difficult to compare the current situation with other countries in the region. Moreover, limited evidence exists on the trends of use of antimicrobial agents (AMA) in Maldives. Although, recent prescription audits have indicated overuse of antibiotics, especially for common conditions such as flu, cough and fever.
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January - December 2019
First published April 2020
• Between January to December 2019, an estimated 8.58 million people were reached at least once with some form of humanitarian assistance, including over
91,000 people through three inter-agency convoys, two to Rukban and one to Menbij. On ...average, 3.4 million people received some form of humanitarian
assistance on a monthly basis.
• Response efforts have seen a 39% increase in December compared to November with around 4.88 people reached.
• More than a third (38.5%) of this response was delivered to areas of most acute need (which host an estimated 40% of people in need); 25.3% of the response
was delivered to areas with major needs (which host an estimated 42% of people in need); and 36.2% of the response was delivered to other areas of lower
severity and include life-saving activities (e.g.: vaccination campaigns, nutrition screening and water provision) to reduce excess morbidity and mortality.
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Countries across the world are facing diverse epidemiological situations with varying response
capacities and access to life saving tools. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that national authorities continue to apply a risk-based approach when implementing measures related to COVID-19... and international travel while respecting the dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms of travellers. This approach should consider the risk posed by travel for the importation and exportation of cases in the context of the evolving epidemiology, including the emergence and circulation of virus variants of concern; the expansion of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out; and lessons learned while responding to the pandemic, including on the early detection and management of cases and the application of public health and social measures.
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Contact tracing for COVID-19 is the process of identifying, assessing, and managing people who have been exposed to someone who has been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, while quarantine is the separation of contacts from other people after exposure to a probable or confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 i...nfection. In the context of growing global population immunity from COVID-19 vaccination and past SARS-CoV-2 infection, WHO recommends that identification, contact, quarantine and follow-up should be prioritized for individuals at high risk who have been in contact with a confirmed or probable case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, rather than targeting all contacts. This updated guidance also introduces shorter recommended quarantine periods, including the ability to further shorten quarantine through the use of testing. National and local health authorities should use risk-based approaches to contact tracing and quarantine that include reviewing and adjusting to their local circumstances and disease epidemiology, population immunity, their health system’s capacities, and risk tolerance.
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As the Americas undergo profound demographic change and there are more persons aged 65 years or older than children younger than 5 years, it is crucial to recognize that national immunization programs must be redesigned to ensure comprehensive protection for individuals across the lifespan. By adopt...ing a life course approach (LCA) to immunization, vaccination programs can be tailored to close immunity gaps at different stages of life. The life course approach foresees the establishment of multiple strategies to reduce missed opportunities for vaccination according to age group. This technical document explains the key concepts of the LCA with a focus on immunization by vaccination, as well as the underlying biological mechanisms that require the application different vaccines at different life stages according to changes to the immune system and in the epidemiological situation of a community.
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Les pays du monde entier sont confrontés à des situations épidémiologiques diverses, et disposent de capacités de réaction différentes et d’un accès inégal aux outils permettant de sauver des vies. L’Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS) recommande aux autorités nationales de contin...uer à appliquer une approche fondée sur les risques lorsqu’elles mettent en œuvre des mesures relatives aux voyages internationaux dans le contexte de la COVID-19, tout en respectant la dignité, les droits humains et les libertés fondamentales des voyageurs. Cette approche doit prendre en compte le risque d’importation et d’exportation de cas posé par les voyages dans le cadre de l’évolution de la situation épidémiologique, y compris de l’émergence et de la circulation de variants préoccupants du SARS-CoV-2, du déploiement de la vaccination contre la COVID-19 et des enseignements tirés de la riposte à la pandémie, notamment en ce qui concerne la détection précoce et la prise en charge des cas, ainsi que l’application de mesures sociales et de santé publique.
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1PEP GUIDELINES | 2019 EDITION. The prevalence of both HIV and Hepatitis B is high in South Africa therefore there is a significant risk of acquiring these infections following exposure to infected material. Studies suggest that post- exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with highly active antiretroviral trea...tment (HAART) is highly effective in preventing HIV infection if taken correctly for the full recommended duration of 28 days, and that prophylaxis with Hepatitis B immunoglobulin and vaccination may prevent Hepatitis B infection if given soon after exposure. This update of the Western Cape guidelines for management of potentially infectious exposures is based on current evidence and guidelines issued by the WHO, NDoH and the SA HIV Clinicians Society. The key aim is to promote successful completion of the recommended ART regimen in the 28 day period of therapy, as well as prevent infection with Hepatitis B
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Le Nigéria a signalé son premier cas de COVID-19 vers fin février 2020. Le pays a ensuite connu quatre vagues de
contaminations avec des pics en juin 2020, janvier 2021, août 2021 et décembre 2021. La pandémie de COVID-19
a eu de graves conséquences sur l’économie du Nigéria et a entra...né une perturbation des services de santé
dans l’ensemble du pays. Pendant la crise, de nombreux Nigérians n’ont pu accéder aux services de santé courants
en raison d’une baisse de revenus et des restrictions liées aux confinements. Les services de santé de la mère
et du nouveau-né, les services de vaccination, de soins aux enfants malades, de planification familiale et de
traitement des maladies non transmissibles ont été les plus perturbés
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The larval stage of the parasite Taenia solium can encyst in the central nervous system causing neurocysticercosis, which is the main cause of acquired epilepsy in the countries in which the parasite is endemic. Endemic areas are those with the presence (or likely presence) of the full life cycle of... Taenia solium. The parasite is most prevalent in poor and vulnerable communities in which pigs roam free, open defecation is practiced, basic sanitation is deficient, and health education is absent or limited. Several tools are available for the control of Taenia solium. Preventive chemotherapy for Taenia solium taeniasis, which is directed at the adult tapeworm, is one of them. Other tools focus on pig management, pig vaccination and treatment, sanitation and hygiene, and community education. Three potential drugs—niclosamide, praziquantel, and albendazole—have been considered for use for preventive chemotherapy in Taenia solium taeniasis control programs through mass drug administration or targeted chemotherapy. In this Guideline, we provide recommendations for preventive chemotherapy in Taenia solium-endemic areas using niclosamide, praziquantel, or albendazole, including at which dose and in which population groups.
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For the past years, Haiti has been engulfed in a socioeconomic, political, and humanitarian crisis that has reached critical levels since mid-September 2022 with the intensification of gang violence and social unrest. The widespread insecurity and
political instability have drastically affected the... country’s access to essential goods and services, including food, water, and health. The current fuel supply crisis has affected the water and electricity supply to the population, health centers, and hospitals. Due to problems of insecurity and violence, patients and health personnel have difficulty accessing hospitals and health services.
In parallel, the public health system and international partners face limited response capacity due to reduced international personnel in Haiti, logistics issues, and difficulties in importing supplies. Indeed insecurity, roadblocks, and lockdowns are affecting the importation of internationally procured goods, which may slow the arrival of essential lifesaving supplies to support cholera response efforts. This scenario is particularly problematic, as cholera recently resurfaced in early October.
Armed gangs now control over 60% of the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, affecting at least 1.5 million people, and have expanded their influence outside of the capital city, interrupting vital humanitarian programs in most of the national territory,
including COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.
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En 2023, la nouvelle stratégie de Coopération de l’OMS avec le Niger 2023-2027 a été lancée, assortie d’un plan d’investissement. En outre, l’OMS a soutenu plusieurs initiatives majeures du pays, comme le lancement effectif de la Stratégie nationale de la Couverture Sanitaire Universel...le (CSU) 2023-2030, la mise à jour de la Stratégie nationale de financement de la santé, la mise en œuvre de la stratégie Triage, Évaluation et Traitement des Urgences pédiatriques (TETU) dans plusieurs régions. De nombreuses actions ont aussi été menées dans d’autres domaines, comme la riposte apportée à l’épidémie de diphtérie, le soutien continu à la vaccination de routine, l’appui au maintien de la chaine du froid pour les vaccins (menacée par l’interruption de la fourniture d’énergie), etc.
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The Zambia Population Based HIV impact assessment of 2016, reported the prevalence of viral hepatitis in Zambia as ranging between 5.6% among adults aged 15 to 59% in the general population, and 7.1% among HIV infected individuals. It is estimated that the majority of persons with chronic hepatitis ...B and/ or hepatitis C are unware of their infection and do not benefit from promotive, preventive and curative services designed to reduce onward transmission. Zambia introduced hepatitis B virus vaccine to the routine Under 5 vaccination schedule in 2005. Preliminary results from the ZAMPHIA indicate that hundreds of infections have been abated in children since then. However, its also clear that we continue to miss key opportunities to prevent transmission, diagnose and treat infections, prevent serious disease, and in many cases cure people. In addition, high risk groups inter alia health care workers still have limited access to the vaccine.
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